Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs to Reduce Firearm Injuries in Children: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Trauma
• Violence Prevention

Background:

• Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are effective in preventing reinjury and aiding recovery from violent trauma.
• Historically, HVIPs have focused on adolescents and young adults.
• A gap exists in programs specifically targeting younger children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of HVIPs for individuals under 18.
• To describe the evidence supporting these pediatric violence intervention programs.
• To assess the potential impact of expanding HVIPs to younger children.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of the PubMed database was conducted.
• Search terms included "violence intervention program" combined with pediatric, children, or youth.
• Articles were screened for youth-inclusive programs, and literature was analyzed for program details, evidence, and evaluation barriers.

Main Results:

• 36 studies (23 programs) involving patients ≤18 years were identified; only 4 included children under 10.
• Many HVIPs combine brief hospital interventions with outpatient services.
• Positive outcomes include reduced risk factors, reinjury, violent behaviors, and criminal justice involvement, though specific data for younger children are limited.

Conclusions:

• HVIPs can significantly impact impressionable children, but targeted programs are lacking.
• Firearm injuries are a leading cause of death for children and adolescents.
• Prioritizing the development and evaluation of HVIPs for younger age groups is essential.